For most privacy advocates, the crux of this issue is the ability to surf the Internet anonymously. The average web surfer probably has no idea how much information is revealed about them just by connecting their computer to the Internet. This article by HowStuffWorks.com does a great job in breaking down the many facets of online web anonymity, such as IP addresses, cookies, anonymous proxies, browser settings etc. If you are wanting to learn more about online privacy and what you can do to protect yourself, then this is a great read.
Inside this Article
How to Surf the Web Anonymously
IP Addresses and Cookies
Piecing Together Your Online Identity
Anonymous Proxy Servers
Privacy Settings in Your Browser
Anonymous Registration
The Internet has a way of lulling you into a false sense of anonymity. After all, how can anyone know your true identity in a virtual world? The truth is that simply by connecting to the Internet, you share information about your computer, your geographical location and even about the Web sites you visit.
The goal of anonymous Web surfing is to circumvent the technologies that track your online activity and may potentially expose your personal information to others. By surfing anonymously, no one knows who you are, where you’re connecting from or what sites you are visiting.
When people think of surfing the Web anonymously, they automatically associate it with extramarital affairs, malicious hacking, illegal downloading and other sordid behaviors. That’s not necessarily the case. In fact, there are many legitimate reasons why someone would wish to remain anonymous online:
Your employer or school has strict Web surfing policies and filters your access to the Internet.
You’re a staunch free speech advocate and don’t want the government or anyone else to censor your activities.
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